Chapter 653: Quarter-finals V

Chapter 653: Quarter-finals V



Midway through the celebration, Hiro turned around. At that moment, his eyes met Kane. There was no malice even though Hiro had collided with him.

Though this goal had dealt a huge blow, Guardiola wasn't worried. However, he had learned a lot from this play.

Casting an indifferent gaze over the pitch, he began to contemplate. He went through the

entire play inside his head. Then he walked to the bench and grabbed a notebook.

With utmost focus, he noted a few things and whispered something to his assistant.

After the celebration, all of them returned to their position.

Beep!

The game resumed.

England had conceded the first goal and a lot of people were left flabbergasted. Especially, the football pundits, they couldn't help but gasp.

However, the buzz died down almost immediately after the match resumed as England pounded even harder than before. Well, it was to be expected. After all, they were on the losing side and they had to salvage themselves.

Japan was forced into defense again.

Despite being an attack-minded team, the sheer pressure from their opponent had forced them into defense. Such a scenario wasn't uncommon when two teams of different caliber

played together.

It still didn't imply that they would take the beating without doing anything.

They had arrived here intending to fight and win. And they wouldn't leave any stone unturned to accomplish their determination.

Humiliating as it was, they wouldn't feel ashamed to be forced into defense. What good would pride be if you can't win?

While the opposing team took the initiative to attack, Hiro paced around the pitch. Unlike before, there were a lot of eyes converged on him. Often Hiro could feel their sharp gazes on him.

The eerie sensation he would feel upon noticing those gazes, he couldn't get used to it. However, he didn't feel intimidated either.

Given the current scenario, the atmosphere of the stadium was divided.

Inside the locker room of the English team, the situation didn't look good either. With Pep Guardiola barking instructions and pointing out their flaws, the players were reduced to mere

spectators.

Even with their reputation and status, they couldn't challenge the authority of Guardiola.

Many of them having trained under him were quite aware of his temper. Hence, they

remained shut with their gaze fixated on him.

"Push from the flanks and pass the ball. Your timing is late. Look around you before passing.

Don't just toss the ball mindlessly," Pep barked instructions.

With him in the center, the others around him listened. After that, he proceeded to explain their upcoming tactics followed by a pep-talk to increase their morale.

Contrasting sharply to the scenario inside the English locker room, the scenario at the Japanese locker room was entirely different.

The players sat in the locker room, their faces a mixture of exhaustion and determination. The tension was palpable; despite leading 1-0, the match had been grueling.

Coach Nanami stood at the center of the room, his presence commanding yet calm. His sharp eyes scanned the room before he began speaking, his tone steady but charged with emotion.

"Listen up, boys. I won't sugarcoat it-this isn't over. Far from it. We've battled hard for 45 minutes, and we're leading because of "effort", "heart", and "teamwork"."

He emphasized the word effort, heart, and teamwork.

"But now is when champions are made. This is where we prove that this lead isn't a fluke, but the result of belief in each other."

Then he turned his gaze toward Hiro, who was sitting with his head bowed, catching his

breath.

"Hiro," Nanami said, his voice softer but firm, "you've been phenomenal out there. "

Hearing the compliment, Hiro couldn't help but feel elated.